Advanced Mountaineering
and Ice Climbing Course

Icon of a tent with a large snowflake symbol, indicating winter camping or snow camping.
Icon of a person on skis, holding ski poles, representing skiing or winter sports.
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Embark on an exhilarating four-day ice climbing and mountaineering adventure led by renowned instructor Andrew Lock in the pristine Snowy Mountains. Starting from either Guthega or Charlotte Pass Ski Resort, this course takes you on a journey through the picturesque region near Blue Lake, offering hands-on experience in establishing winter snow camps and mastering essential mountaineering skills. Over the days, immerse yourself in advanced techniques like ice climbing, abseiling, and steep snow climbing, culminating in a comprehensive skill revision before concluding the adventure with a rewarding trek back to civilization.

Advanced Mountaineering in the Snowy Mountains

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Equipment Rental Form
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CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT

COURSE LEVEL 3

Icon of a tent with a large snowflake symbol next to it, indicating winter camping or cold weather camping.

Multi-Day

Find out more about  your guide: Andrew Lock

  • The four-day Advanced Mountaineering and Ice Climbing course is aimed at those participants who already have some climbing experience on rock or ice or who wish to develop the skills to undertake their adventures on remote and steep terrain.

    The course is conducted in the region of Blue Lake in the Snowy Mountains of NSW. Access is by snowshoe or ski, departing from either Guthega Ski Resort or Charlotte Pass Ski Resort, depending on conditions and group preference.

    We camp on the snow for three nights in the region of Blue Lake but not actually at the lake itself as this is not allowed by National Parks.

    The group meets at the designated point at 8.30 am on the first day, where gear is checked and group equipment distributed. We then snowshoe to the camping site, setting up our tents and running through the elements of establishing and maintaining winter snow camps. In the afternoon of the first day, we ran through basic mountaineering skills and learned the differences between general mountaineering equipment and ice climbing equipment.

    Days two and three are spent at Blue Lake learning ice climbing techniques, abseiling, jumaring, steep snow climbing, and self-arresting. We also practice placing protection, top roping, and building ice belays.

    On the final day, we spent the morning revising essential skills before snowshoeing out to the carpark, arriving by 4:30 p.m.

  • The course will include elements of the following topics:

    Clothing and equipment selection

    Ice climbing versus mountaineering boots

    Selection and use of crampons – French, German and American techniques

    General Rope Skills

    Essential knots

    Glacial Travel

    Selection and use of Ice Axe & Ice Hammer - glacier, mountaineering and steep ice

    Mechanical ascenders/descenders

    Prussiking

    Self-Arresting

    Snow and Ice Anchors/Protection/belaying

    Placing anchors

    Belaying on ice

    Top roping

    Route finding

    Safety considerations

    Avalanche Awareness

    Snowshoe usage

    Snow Camping

    Snow Shelters

    Leave no trace skills and ethics

  • On most courses, we camp above the snow line for two nights. You will need a tent, sleeping bag, and camping stove. Download the recommended clothing and equipment list at the bottom of this page for further information, including where to rent these if you do not already own them. It is recommended that tents and stoves be shared to lessen your load. We can assist with putting tent partners together if desired.

    You will need to arrange your accommodation the night before the course starts and on the night of the last day of the course.

    K7 can provide advice on appropriate camping food to bring.

  • While you do not need to be an elite athlete to take part, the course is physical and you will have to carry a backpack of around 15kg. There is no age restriction but K7 Adventures reserves the right to decline participation to anyone who we feel may be at undue risk due to health or fitness issues. If you have any concerns about your ability to undertake the course please contact andrew@k7adventures.com

  • Guiding fees are $1600 + GST (not inclusive) per person for the 4 day course for up to 6 people. If there are less than 6 people, Andrew Lock Adventures will contact you to discuss alternatives. If the course is cancelled by Andrew Lock Adventures, all deposits will be fully refunded.

    Equipment hire costs are additional. Please see the Equipment Rental form for up to date rental cost

  • included

    Highly experienced mountain guide

    Full Liability Insurance

    NPWS guide fees & charges (this doesn’t include the National Park’s Visitor/Car entry fee

    Communications, first aid kit, water purification tablets, navigation equipment

    Snowshoes, adjustable ski poles and snow shovels

    Disposable biodegradable toilet waste bags

    Not included

    Travel to and from Thredbo

    Accommodation and meals

    Hire costs of required clothing and/or equipment.

    Kosciuszko Express chairlift ticket (if needed)

    Any other costs not listed under Inclusions.

  • 16 – 19 July – Advanced Mountaineering – places available

Person wearing a teal jacket, black pants, and a red backpack skiing down a snowy mountain.
Two climbers in colorful jackets and helmets ascending a snow-covered mountain face with ropes.
A person in a yellow jacket ice climbing on a frozen waterfall with rocky mountain terrain in the background.
A person in a yellow jacket and helmet is climbing an icy cliff using ropes, with another person in sunglasses and a blue jacket below, holding the rope.
A person in a red jacket and helmet is rescuing another person trapped in snow, with snow falling heavily and a snow-covered landscape in the background.
A group of people dressed in winter climbing gear gathered on snow, with one person in an orange jacket giving instructions or speaking to the group, and others listening. Snow-covered mountains and gear are visible.